The reference images for both of these pieces were shot at the Crossroads Country Mall in Lima, NY (see my previous post for more information). Mike and I made a trip specifically to shoot reference images on a blisteringly hot Saturday afternoon. The [non-air-conditioned] store was busy, and I am deeply glad that I managed to get a series of shots--which included standing on chairs and moving small, fragile merchandise with my slippery hands, often while holding my cell phone in my mouth--without damaging anything, including myself! Other [overheated, cranky] customers were looking at us a little strangely (especially after Mike put on the big feathered hat). When we got back outside and reviewed the photos, we did a little happy dance right there on the sidewalk. These two paintings are the first results from that trip. Each one took over two weeks to paint--an exercise in patience for not-so-patient me!